I am pleased to recognise the work of Southside Montessori School. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the school to meet the staff, tour the school and listen to the students. The school was established in 1979 in Riverwood. The Montessori programme is child-centred, teacher facilitated and suitable across all socio-economic and cultural boundaries. I have always been a fan of Montessori principles in education. I thank Principal, Charisse Sweeney and her staff for inviting me to visit the school. This visit gave me an opportunity to again see first-hand the school program and facilities and to meet the young students over a picnic. I am incredibly impressed with how the students facilitated the welcome to country ceremony by singing the Australian national anthem in English and an Indigenous language. The children contributed to the picnic by serving cuisine from their cultural backgrounds. It was an honour to hear them share their dreams for the future with clarity and honesty. More than ever, we appreciate the vital role our teachers play in our community. I thank the dedicated educators at Southside Montessori for continuing their work in nurturing and educating our future leaders. Mr JIHAD DIB, Member for Lakemba